Ponds Project

The appointment of Project Consultant, Will Watson, in September 2003 released the HART project to use its full potential. HART is the Herefordshire Amphibian & Reptile Team. Pond surveys, volunteer training days and open events are all part of the aim to further knowledge and understanding of the particular habitats needed for certain amphibians.

The primary objective of this project was to use the information collected to determine the population status of the Great Crested Newt, a specially protected species. There was a final report showing a county-wide distribution map of the species.

The second purpose of the surveys was to assess the condition of Herefordshire ponds and indicate priorities for future management. This not only helped and encouraged the right conditions for Great Crested Newts to populate certain ponds, but also facilitated other amphibian and aquatic life. This part of the project also helped raise awareness of the contribution ponds make to the wildlife and heritage of the county.

In addition to identifying the shape, distribution and biological content of ponds in the area, special notification was made of natural ponds, which are rare across the nation, particularly in lowland areas. The Herefordshire Rivers area has a pond density per square kilometre of 1.8, higher than the national average of 1.7. Although this is an encouraging statistic indicating there may be a higher find of Great Crested Newts, it has also been estimated that 30% of the county's ponds were lost between the 1920s and 1980s.

The Great Crested Newt has been selected as one of 116 species in the United Kingdom as a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) priority species. This pond study incidentally also located some other pond inhabitants or regular users currently on the BAP list. This project has identified water vole and water beetle in ponds of the area an inspiring find! Tailored training events encouraged people to keep a vigilant look out for signs of BAP species presence.

Although this was only a three-year project, the training provided scope for the continuity of community responsibility for their local conservation. Advice will still be available to community pond groups from HART, and the Herefordshire Nature Trust will continue to be available for advice on BAPs.

Will Watson
Herefordshire Ponds and Newts Project Consultant
C/o Rose Cottage
Docklow Manor
Leominster
Herefordshire
HR6 0RX
Tel: (01568) 760500
Fax: (01568) 760687

Richard King
HART Chairman
Woodlea
Little Dewchurch
Hereford
HR2 6PS
Tel: (01432) 840421

Website: http://www.herefordhart.org/